Great Road project about to launch phase two

Tuesday

Mar 14, 2017 at 4:45 PMMar 14, 2017 at 4:46 PM

Jesse Collings

The Great Road Design Project, which began in 2012, is moving into its second phase, with construction set to begin this spring, according to Tim McIntosh of VHB Inc., the contractor who is managing the project.

“We have two parts of the project right now that are either completed or under construction,” McIntosh said. “As time has gone by, we have had some slight changes to the recommended plan that was originally laid out.”

McIntosh and Department of Public Works Director David Manugian presented an update of the project to the Board of Selectmen March 13. The project has been broken down into four separate phases that will reshape the area around Great Road, including extensions onto North Road and Carlisle Road.

The first phase included Great Road at South Road/Springs Road and new signals outside the fire station. The second phase of construction involves Great Road and Mudge Way, with additions to the intersection in accordance with the “Safe Routes to School” program, and includes new traffic signals, road and sidewalk improvements, bike lanes and new pedestrian crossing areas. Construction is aiming to mobilize for the second phase next month.

Concern was raised about the third phase of the project, which will involve improvements to the intersection of North Road at Carlisle Road. Selectman Caroline Fedele raised issues about the availability of sidewalks in that location. Selectman William Moonan also raised concerns about the turn from North Road southbound onto Carlisle Road being “about a 130 degree turn” and questioned the shape of an island at the and of Carlisle Road. Moonan also expressed concern about changes the plan could deal to the Bedford Historic District.

“Everything that is being talked about is in the historic district, and while the Historic District Commission does not have any legal right to dictate anything, I would hope that some effort will be made to somewhat involve them in things,” Moonan said. “I think it would be appropriate to discuss any intrusion, just for their own perusal.”

The fourth and final phase of the master plan has been altered recently due to concerns about the Wilson Park area, which has been a hot spot for accidents and traffic in Bedford during the last few years.

“We have evaluated all of the accident data in this area, we have a good idea of where the accidents are,” McIntosh said. “We have what we are calling ‘Roadside Walk Shop’ which is intended to be a roadside, audit-style meeting in April. The idea being that we will invite various representatives from town; people on bicycles, the head of engineering, etc. to talk about the design and hopefully come to a consensus on the design and to also allow for the remainder of the corridor to move forward.”

The fourth phase will continue to be delayed until an agreement can be made between the various groups involved about the best course of action moving forward.